Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 31 December 2024, Tuesday (12-31-24). Find all answers and solutions here.
We've also tries to explain why the answer is the correct solution for each clue.
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Clues and answers
Clues followed by answers and an explanation underneath.
10-legged creatures : CRABS Down 1 Nile reptiles
The answer to "10-legged creatures" is "CRABS" because crabs have 10 legs, with 8 walking legs and 2 claws. The answer to "Nile reptiles" is "ASPS" as asps are venomous snakes found in the Nile region.
A little off : ASKEW
The answer "ASKEW" means not in a straight or level position, which fits the clue "A little off" as it implies something not quite right or slightly crooked.
Act theatrically : EMOTE
"Act theatrically" is a definition that indicates the answer is a verb meaning to perform in a dramatic manner. "Emote" fits this definition perfectly as it means to portray emotions in a theatrical manner.
Actor Mike or Omar : EPPS
The answer "EPPS" fits the clue "Actor Mike or Omar" because both Mike Epps and Omar Epps are well-known actors in the entertainment industry.
Adjective in the theme of “The Addams Family” : SPOOKY
The Addams Family is known for its dark and macabre themes, making "spooky" a fitting adjective to describe something in the style of The Addams Family.
Alternative to “Hasta la vista” : ADIOS, AMIGO
The answer "ADIOS, AMIGO" fits the clue because it is another way of saying goodbye in Spanish, which is an alternative to the famous line "Hasta la vista" from the movie Terminator 2.
Apple gadgets : CORERS
"Corers" are gadgets used specifically for removing the cores from apples, making them the perfect fit for the clue "Apple gadgets."
Bands’ successes : HITS
The word "HITS" is commonly used to refer to successful songs by bands. It fits the clue "Bands’ successes" as it directly relates to the achievement of bands in the music industry.
Bottomless pit : ABYSS
The word "abyss" is often used to describe a deep, seemingly bottomless pit, so it fits the clue "Bottomless pit". Additionally, "down" is included in the clue, which hints at the answer being a word that can be placed below or after the clue. Therefore, "ABYSS down" is a fitting solution.
Boy king of Egypt : TUT
"TUT" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for Tutankhamun, who was a famous boy king of Egypt.
Buffalo N.H.L.ers : SABRES
The Buffalo NHL team is known as the Sabres, so "Sabres" is the right answer for the clue "Buffalo N.H.L.ers."
Cause of a grimace : PAIN
The answer "PAIN" fits the clue "Cause of a grimace" because pain often causes a facial expression of discomfort or distress, which is typically shown as a grimace.
Certain salon offerings : DYE JOBS
The answer "DYE JOBS" fits the clue "Certain salon offerings" because dye jobs are services offered at salons where hair color is changed or enhanced through dyeing.
Certain superhero accessories : CAPES
The answer "CAPES" fits the clue "Certain superhero accessories" because capes are commonly worn by superheroes to enhance their appearance and create a dramatic effect while fighting crime.
Core belief : TENET
"TENET" is the right solution because a tenet is a core belief or principle that is held to be true by a person, group, or organization. It fits the clue perfectly.
Country legend Lynn : LORETTA
Loretta Lynn is a well-known country music legend, making "LORETTA" the correct answer for the clue "Country legend Lynn."
Disney villain with a pet parrot : JAFAR
Jafar is the Disney villain from the movie Aladdin, and he has a pet parrot named Iago. Therefore, the answer to the clue "Disney villain with a pet parrot" is JAFAR.
Doctor’s “Now!” : STAT!
"STAT" is a medical term used to indicate urgency, often seen in hospitals. So, when a doctor says "Now!" in a medical setting, they would likely use the term "STAT" to convey the sense of urgency.
Drive crazy? : SPEED
The answer "SPEED" is the right solution because "Drive crazy" in this context means to drive very fast or at high speed.
FINGER, TOE : DOUBLE DIGIT
The answer "DOUBLE DIGIT" fits because both a finger and a toe are body parts that have two digits each.
First, as a voyage : MAIDEN
"MAIDEN" is the right answer because a maiden voyage is the first journey of a ship or aircraft. The clue hints at the beginning of a journey, which fits the definition of "maiden" in this context.
Fly catcher : WEB
The answer to "Fly catcher?" is "MITT" because a "mitt" is a type of glove often used to catch or trap objects, including flies.
Fortunetellers : SEERS
"SEERS" are fortunetellers because they are believed to have the ability to see into the future or perceive events beyond the natural range of vision.
French king : ROI
The answer "ROI" is the right solution because "ROI" is the French word for "king".
Gin rummy combo : MELD
In gin rummy, a "meld" is a set of matching cards that a player can lay down to score points.
Go around in circles : SPIN
The word "spin" can mean to move around in circles, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Go around in circles."
Gold, silver or bronze : MEDAL
The answer "OLYMPIC-MEDAL METAL" fits the clue "Gold, silver, or bronze?" because Olympic medals are made of metal, and they come in gold, silver, and bronze varieties.
Got going : BEGAN
The answer "ROLLED" fits the clue "Got going" because it means to start moving or to begin an activity.
Green fruit : KIWI
The answer "KIWI" fits the clue "Green fruit" because kiwis are small, green fruits with a fuzzy brown skin and bright green flesh inside.
Grow up : MATURE
The answer "MATURE" fits the clue "Grow up" because it means to develop and reach a state of full growth or development, which is synonymous with growing up.
Half-___ (latte option) : CAF
The term "Half-___" commonly refers to a "Caf" latte, which is a latte made with half-and-half milk. Therefore, the answer is "CAF."
HINT, TIP : TWO POINTERS
In years past : AGO
"AGO" is the right solution because it is a word that indicates a time in the past relative to the present.
Jewish mourning period : SHIVA
The answer to "Jewish mourning period" is "SHIVA" because Shiva is a Hebrew word that refers to the seven-day mourning period observed by Jewish individuals after the death of a close family member.
Like some simple home-improvement projects, for short : DIY
The answer "DIY" stands for "do it yourself," which is often used to describe simple home-improvement projects that can be done without professional help.
Loops in on an email, for short : CC’S
The answer "CC'S" is short for "carbon copies," which is a term used in emails to indicate additional recipients who will receive a copy of the email. In this case, "CC'S" refers to including additional people in the email conversation.
Mauna ___ : KEA
Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is the highest point in the state of Hawaii. Therefore, "KEA" is the correct answer to the crossword clue "Mauna ___".
Member of K-pop’s Blackpink : LISA
LISA is a member of the popular K-pop group Blackpink. This makes her the correct answer to the clue "Member of K-pop’s Blackpink."
Neighbor of an Afghan : IRANI
The neighbor of Afghanistan is Iran, and the demonym for someone from Iran is "Irani."
Nine-digit government IDs : SSNS
"SSNS" stands for Social Security Numbers, which are nine-digit government IDs issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration.
On the topic of : ABOUT
"AS TO" is a common phrase used to introduce a topic or subject. It is a concise way to indicate what the discussion or focus is about.
One might get tacked on right before purchase : FEE
This is the right solution because a fee is an additional charge that is often added right before a purchase is made.
Orange box : CRATE
The answer "CRATE" fits the clue "Orange box" because oranges are often transported and stored in wooden crates.
Oui’s opposite : NON
"Oui" is the French word for "yes," so its opposite would be "non," which is the French word for "no."
Part of U.A.E. : ARAB
The United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) is a country in the Middle East made up of seven emirates, one of which is "Arab." So, "ARAB" is the right answer as it is a part of the U.A.E.
Police work? : SONG
"Police work?" is a play on words where "work" refers to a musical composition. A "song" is a type of musical work, making it the correct answer to this clue.
Present day, in brief : XMAS
"XMAS" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for Christmas, which is a present day holiday celebrated on December 25th.
PUNCH, WALLOP : PAIR OF SOCKS
unknown
Showtime drama with a serial-killer protagonist : DEXTER
"Dexter" is a Showtime drama that features a protagonist who is a serial killer. The title character, Dexter Morgan, works as a blood spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department by day, and hunts down criminals as a vigilante serial killer by night.
Simple two-player card game : WAR
In the card game "WAR," two players compete by flipping cards and the player with the higher card wins both cards. This game is simple as it requires no strategy or skill, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Singer Bega a.k.a. “The King of Mambo” : LOU
The answer "LOU" is the right solution because the singer Bega, known as "The King of Mambo," is also known as Lou Bega.
Smoothed out : EVENED
The answer "IRONED" is the right solution because when you "iron" something, you smooth out the wrinkles or creases, making it flat and smooth.
Soccer stadium chant : OLE!
"OLE!" is a common chant heard in soccer stadiums, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries. It is often used to show appreciation for skillful play or a successful goal.
Stone-faced : STOIC
"Stone-faced" is a clue that is hinting at someone who shows little emotion or reaction, which is characteristic of a stoic person. "Stoic" is a term used to describe someone who remains calm and unemotional in the face of challenges or difficulties.
Subj. for some immigrants : ESL
ESL stands for English as a Second Language, which is a subject taken by immigrants to learn English.
Sulks : POUTS
The word "sulks" is a clue that suggests a negative mood or attitude. The answer "MOPES" is the right solution because it means to be in a state of gloomy or sullen behavior, which aligns with the clue.
Summer setting in D.C. : EDT
"EDT" stands for Eastern Daylight Time, which is the time zone observed in Washington D.C. during the summer months.
Sunny forecast : CLEAR SKIES
The answer "CLEAR SKIES" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to describe a sunny forecast when there are no clouds in the sky.
Superlatively impolite : RUDEST
The answer "RUDEST" fits the clue "Superlatively impolite" because it means showing a lack of manners or consideration to the highest degree.
Sweet treat that often has a crumb topping : COFFEE CAKE
This is the right solution because coffee cake is a sweet baked good that typically has a crumb topping, making it a popular choice for a sweet treat.
The In-N-Out Burger logo has a yellow one : ARROW
The In-N-Out Burger logo features a yellow arrow pointing towards the right.
Unruly uprisings : RIOTS
RIOTS are often associated with unruly uprisings, as they involve a violent disturbance by a crowd.
Verve : PEP
"Verve" is a synonym for energy or enthusiasm, which can be represented by the word "PEP."
VOLT, AMP : POWER COUPLE
"VOLT" and "AMP" are units of measurement related to electricity. When combined, they form the term "POWER," making them a "POWER COUPLE."
Word after talk or gift : … SHOP
The word that can follow "talk" or "gift" to form a common phrase is "SHOP," as in "talk shop" and "gift shop." This answer fits the clue and makes sense in the context of both phrases.
Yankee Doodle’s method of transport : PONY
Yankee Doodle rode a pony in the song "Yankee Doodle," making "PONY" the correct answer.
___ 500 : INDY
The "500" refers to the Indianapolis 500, which is an annual automobile race held in Indianapolis, Indiana. "INDY" is a common nickname for the Indianapolis 500, making it the correct answer.
___ Millions : MEGA
The answer "MEGA" fits the clue "___ Millions" because "MEGA" is often used as a prefix to indicate something large or impressive, making it a suitable descriptor for a large quantity like "Millions."
___-turvy : TOPSY
The phrase "topsy-turvy" means in a state of confusion or disorder, with the usual order or arrangement reversed. "Topsy" is the correct completion of the phrase.
“Beowulf” and the “Mahabharata,” for two : EPICS
"EPICS" is the right answer because both "Beowulf" and the "Mahabharata" are examples of epic poems, which are long narrative poems that typically recount heroic deeds and adventures.
“Hold your horses!” : WAIT!
"Whoa" is an interjection used to command a horse to stop or slow down. The phrase "hold your horses" is a common idiom that means to wait or be patient. Therefore, "whoa" is the right solution for the clue "Hold your horses!" in a crossword puzzle.
“I can’t do anything in this case” : IT’S UP TO YOU
The answer "IT'S UP TO YOU" fits the clue "I can't do anything in this case" because it means the decision or action is in the hands of the person being addressed, indicating that they have the authority or responsibility to make the choice.
“Nixon in ___” (John Adams opera) : CHINA
In the John Adams opera, "Nixon in China," the title refers to President Richard Nixon's historic visit to China in 1972. The answer "CHINA" fits the clue and is the correct solution.
“S.N.L.” network : NBC
"NBC" is the right answer because "S.N.L." stands for "Saturday Night Live," which is a popular sketch comedy show that airs on NBC.